Can I suggest we also think about providing things like jigsaw puzzles and puzzle books as well? And what about simple childrens books so that they can read their children stories when they do return home?

Providing simple wood work tools for those that want to try their hand at carving wood may also be helpful.

'“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” The Peace Pilgrim.

What a great idea Jumbo! We're planning to visit KTP sometime in 2011 ( such a very very very very long time away )so hopefully your idea will be up and running and as we're planning to drive from CT we can pick up any contributions as well as our own.

we've always had magazines to give the guys at wilderness camps and find they're pretty keen on either english or afrikaans, welcoming the chance to improve their english. where there's a particular interest in learning about birds or trees or grasses, we've been able to donate books as well. but the things they always ask for are newspapers. so in future, we shan't travel to KTP without picking up a few afrikaans newspapers along the way.

This project is a great idea. I have never been to the wilderness camps -- only the 3 main ones -- but will be in Grootkolk in January. I'll definitely remember to pick up newspapers in Upington.

I live in Belgium and I'm bringing my camping gear by plane with me but any spare kilograms will be devoted to English books. A silly question maybe but I'll give it a try : I (more or less ) understand Afrikaans when I read it because I speak Dutch. Would books in Dutch be a welcome addition to the future library ?

I agree. I don't think the languages are close enough for Dutch books to be really useful. With a little practice, an Afrikaans speaking person will understand some of what is written. But given the context and practicality, it would make much more sense to bring English books, or buy Afrikaans books locally.

The majority of the people in the Northern Cape are Afrikaans orientated. Most will be able to understand English reasonably well.

I think we should just wait till we get into contact with somebody in the park that will be able to help us put this into practice.This person should also be able to help us find out what the guys need and prefer. I spoke to Eric at Grootkolk….but think it will help to get the input of all the other guys as well.

Meanwhile, if any of you visit these camps, you can already take books, newspapers etc along…..these guys will always appreciate it.

We started a Honorary Rangers region for Kgalagadi a week ago and are just waiting for our paperwork to be finished. We have chosen our management team (committee) and things will hopefully fall in place soon. We are 9 people involved (5 male and 4 female - couples)...okay 5 + 4 does not add up, but one guy's wife could not make it for the meeting we had with Dr Flip van Staden and his team in Tankwa Karoo NPark.

We all reside in Upington and our Chairman (person?) Rudi Beukes is working in the Park fulltime at this stage as he is in charge of the upgrading of the road between Samevloeiing and Melkvlei as well as a section on the TR Mata Mata road. He sleeps at Rooiputs most of the time.

As soon as we have out first meeting (It should be held on a monthly basis) I will discuss this brilliant idea with the rest of the team. We will then have to discuss it with the Park Manager and HR Headoffice, etc and if they approve, we can launch the project.

In the meantime I think Magazines and newspapers are a super idea and they can be given as presents to these guys.

The hardcover and paperbacks could be handled like in a library, but the only problem is that the HRangers are not always in the park to handle this and we would need to make use of Sanparks personell to do this for us. I don't know if they will be willing to (or could be spared) do this, but it's worth a try.

I am willing to receive all the books in Upington if you want to drop it off with me (I'm a serious bookworm myself) and will channel it onwards when the project is approved.

As soon as I have news in this regards (as well as our approval as HR's) I will let you know.

Who knows. maybe this could be our first project and if I look at all you guys' positive remarks, there is no reason to believe that it would not be successful as well.

Being Afrikaans myself (Obviously) I hope that you can understand my English and I think it would be great if these guys can improve their English (If need be) in order to chat with overseas visitors, etc.